Iowa Seniors Ready to Add Value to College Programs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colleges have done well in mining Iowa's 2027 recruiting class. Twelve different guys have verbally committed to Power 4 programs. Quite a few others have pledged to FBS and FCS schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even with those sizable numbers, a lot of talent from the state for the cycle remains in the board. Here's a closer look at a group of them:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2048738' first='Landen' last='Moulds'], WR/TE, Wapsie Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation: </strong>Moulds is an excellent all-around athlete with a projectable 6-foot-3 frame that should be receiving more attention along the recruiting trail. He played a key role in Wapsie Valley reaching the state semifinals, leading the squad in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches last year. He was a first-team all-district receiver and earned second-team all-state recognition as a returner after averaging a stellar 16.1 yards on 17 punt returns. Moulds also stood out in the secondary, where he intercepted a pass and had six passes defended. He can run, is agile and has long arms. Again, there's a lot of upside here for a college investing in development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moulds attended Dubuque and Wartburg junior days this spring. He's worthy of more attention, which will come with a strong senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2053756' first='Thatcher' last='Murguia'], DB/WR, Wilton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>McPherson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation: </strong>Murguia stood out during an in-person scout at the state semifinals back in November. He racked with 5.0 tackles, all solo, in a loss to eventual Class 2A champion Kuemper Catholic. The junior recorded 37.0 tackles (30 solo) with 3.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions. His 11th-grade highlight video reveals a versatile defender capable of running with receivers in coverage or coming down against the run. Fluid hip movement and smooth change of direction aid him in sticking with pass catchers. The frame has room to fill out and become stronger without the loss of agility, which should help him add physicality on the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McPherson offered Murguia a chance to play college football on June 11. He visited Upper Iowa in March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790058' first='Victor' last='Nakihinga'], WR, Liberty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> Nakihinga is a work in progress when it comes to football. He's raw. The upside is awfully enticing, however. You can witness a prospect packed with potential when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19517868/696a9579d60051d4db6e6912" id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19517868/696a9579d60051d4db6e6912">junior highlight video</a> on the junior varsity. Nakihinga flashes speed to stretch the field. At 6-foot-3 with long arms, he offers the quarterback a big target with a large catch radius. Nakihinga's frame has plenty of room to fill out and add strength in a college conditioning program while holding the athleticism. It would help him in gaining yards after contact and blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ottawa University's junior day invitation is the only college interest Nakihinga is reporting. He should pop up on the radar of more programs on the next level with production as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2087158' first='Lawson' last='Neighbor']</strong>, <strong>ATH, Cedar Rapids Kennedy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> Cedar Rapids Kennedy consistently produces strong teams and develops prospects for the next level. With a lot of talent on the roster, guys can get lost in the shuffle along the recruiting trail. That's somewhat been the case with Neighbor. Colleges are showing interest but his talent is deserving of more attention. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19525739/68fd3ca4eb7926ec3656f0f8" id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19525739/68fd3ca4eb7926ec3656f0f8">junior highlight video</a> from 2025 provides a look at a versatile prospect that the Cougars utilize as a combination slot receiver and H-Back. He's fast in space with burst and runs crisp, precise routes. It's a set of skills that also play on defense and special teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neighbor visited Coe last month. He attended a Wartburg game last September. He's another guy that could raise his stock with a strong performance this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2246367' first='Carter' last='Dietz'], OL, Western Dubuque</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> Western Dubuque deserves more credit for what it does in developing linemen. Dietz is another example of the program's proficiency in building up big blockers. As we can witness when watching his junior highlight video from last season, the powerful prospect in the trench understands how to gain leverage and keep it. A wrestling background helps there and with balance. Dietz puts D-Linemen on skates early in plays by firing off the snap and overwhelming them. He uses his hands effectively and plays through the whistle. His frame his capable of adding mass and strength in a college conditioning program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dietz camped at Iowa State last month, his only public reporting of college interest. Programs on the next level would be wise to monitor his progress this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->